'Springbok-inspired' Range Rover Sport SVR revealed…

Land Rover South Africa has whipped the covers off a special Range Rover Sport SVR conceived as a “tribute” to the Springbok rugby team.

The British automaker, of course, is a Rugby World Cup 2019 partner and sponsor of the Springboks.

The local arm of the Whitley-based firm says it worked “hand in hand” with the Special Vehicle Operations team in the United Kingdom (with a little help from the South African Rugby Union) to “demonstrate the bespoke commissioning capabilities” of the division.

The one-off Range Rover Sport is finished in the South African rugby team’s green hue, with the “exact Pantone colour match” applied to the bare shell at the start of the build process. Custom Springbok logos and bespoke yellow brake callipers finish off the exterior’s visual overhaul.

The circular plaques on the B-pillars and front and rear treadplates, meanwhile, now feature Springbok insignias and script. Inside, you’ll notice the gold-coloured shift paddles and contrast yellow stitching on the seats and door panels. The interior mood lighting, too, features a green glow.

“We entered the process of designing this vehicle with Land Rover some months ago, and SARU is delighted to have played a part in the result. This project is the first of its kind for the Springboks and I’m sure there will be many excited conversations among the players who will get the opportunity to drive it,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby.

The Springbok-inspired Range Rover Sport SVR will makes its public debut at the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb at the start of May 2019. Under the bonnet, nothing has changed, which means the 5,0-litre supercharged V8 still churns out 423 kW and 700 N.m.